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Passion: How Christ's Final Day Changes Your Every Day by Mike McKinley (18-Jan-2013) Paperback
Some people see Jesus' death as a historical footnote, buried in the past. Christians understand it is much more than that, and know it has transformed their future.But often we don't realise how much Jesus' last day should change our present, too.Walking readers through Luke's Gospel, US pastor and well-known author Mike McKinley looks at the events of the last day of Jesus' earthly life. At each point, he pauses to marvel at the love Christ has for His people; and shows how Jesus' people can learn from His passion, His care, and His integrity.This unique book is perfect for both new and mature Christians. While great for reading at any time in the year, it's particularly helpful to read during Lent or Holy Week.
Paperback
First published January 21, 2013
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About the author
Mike McKinley
47 books20 followersMike McKinley is the author of Passion, Did the devil make me do it? and Church Planting is for Wimps. Since 2005 he has been pastor of Guilford Baptist Church in Sterling, Virginia. Before that, he served on the pastoral staff of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington DC, having received his MDiv from Westminster Theological Seminary. Mike is married to Karen, and they have five children.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 30, 2018
sooooo good
March 2, 2013
A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Sometimes we can hear the story of Christ so many times, that we loose sight on how it can change our lives and change our every day. This is a great study for believers and non believers alike to take that journey and to see first hand what the life and death of Christ means to you and to me. The why helps us take that truth and make it our very own. What we begin to see is that we are nothing like Jesus and even on our best days. We don't love, we don't forgive, we don't trust and obey. In our self-centeredness, we become destructive to ourselves and those around us.
Each chapter starts with a verse starting with the betrayal of Judas and goes to show us how we relate to the circumstances in the verse. It ends with a hymn to lead the reader into worship of our great salvation in Christ.
We see between Peter and Judas the denial of Christ and the response of each man. We all have denied Christ, and our response is one of Peter or one of Judas. We also begin to understand with that response, the reason why we follow Jesus. In hard times, our response to him becomes the fruit that the world sees. We become the taste to see if the Lord is good. In Peter, his repetance leads to salvation and a transformed life. Judas was a remorse but not Godly and it lead to his death. It does not become a question if we have done wrong, but where do we go from there. One of my favorite verses is the one when Jesus asked his disciples if they would leave him and they replied, where would we go.
Another great chapter was that on Pontus Pilate and his response to Christ. We are shown by Jesus' response to Pilate that God's kingdom is not of this world. That political parties will not save and restore the people but Christ alone will. This kingdom will come from the cross.
As you read and marvel at the goodness of God and the work of Christ, you will begin to see how we are like each one in the passover week. From Judas, to Pilate, to the theives on the cross, Barabbas that was freed, to Simon carrying the cross. We also learn that we have been given the holy spirit to enable us to see if we are someone that is wronged or someone who needs forgiveness.
Sometimes we can hear the story of Christ so many times, that we loose sight on how it can change our lives and change our every day. This is a great study for believers and non believers alike to take that journey and to see first hand what the life and death of Christ means to you and to me. The why helps us take that truth and make it our very own. What we begin to see is that we are nothing like Jesus and even on our best days. We don't love, we don't forgive, we don't trust and obey. In our self-centeredness, we become destructive to ourselves and those around us.
Each chapter starts with a verse starting with the betrayal of Judas and goes to show us how we relate to the circumstances in the verse. It ends with a hymn to lead the reader into worship of our great salvation in Christ.
We see between Peter and Judas the denial of Christ and the response of each man. We all have denied Christ, and our response is one of Peter or one of Judas. We also begin to understand with that response, the reason why we follow Jesus. In hard times, our response to him becomes the fruit that the world sees. We become the taste to see if the Lord is good. In Peter, his repetance leads to salvation and a transformed life. Judas was a remorse but not Godly and it lead to his death. It does not become a question if we have done wrong, but where do we go from there. One of my favorite verses is the one when Jesus asked his disciples if they would leave him and they replied, where would we go.
Another great chapter was that on Pontus Pilate and his response to Christ. We are shown by Jesus' response to Pilate that God's kingdom is not of this world. That political parties will not save and restore the people but Christ alone will. This kingdom will come from the cross.
As you read and marvel at the goodness of God and the work of Christ, you will begin to see how we are like each one in the passover week. From Judas, to Pilate, to the theives on the cross, Barabbas that was freed, to Simon carrying the cross. We also learn that we have been given the holy spirit to enable us to see if we are someone that is wronged or someone who needs forgiveness.
April 20, 2025
An excellent book on the cross, with concise, truth-filled, bible-focussed chapters. Good to use as daily readings, I appreciated the reading plans in the back of the book. McKinley's writing is engaging and enjoyable, while simultaneously pointing away from himself to scripture.
Really enjoyed this, will likely come back to it again in future.
Really enjoyed this, will likely come back to it again in future.
March 5, 2021
I found this a very helpful book to read during lent. McKinley brought out new insights into the last week of Jesus life. I'm glad the last chapter went beyond the death of Jesus and looked at the events of the resurrection - it's vital!
April 20, 2024
Took me a while to get into the swing of this one, but found that it had some really helpful and new illustrations to hammer home the impact of Christ’s death on our lives
March 4, 2013
Mike McKinley got it right. Writing books through narrative portions of Scripture has become popular but so many of them are poorly done from an exegetical and literary standpoint. Mike writes with a deft hand.
Passion follows Jesus Christ through the last day of his life before death. He unfolds the narrative while making careful application for our lives with the gospel. Through out the book I bracketed sections with application (pp. 10, 15, 28, 45, 61, 65, 71, 72-73, 76, 85, 89, 90-91, 94, 98, 105, 117, 133, 145), narrative, and gospel (pp. 23, 38, 39, 64, 70, 77, 79, 100, 102, 108, 117, 123-24, 128, 141-42). Flipping through the book these brackets are threaded through the entire book and every chapter. Mike sums up the point of Passion, “What difference does the cross of Christ make to the way you live?” (p. 9).
Passion packs a punch. It’s straightforward, gospel-centered, and faithful to the story. Because of the ease with which the writing flows, anyone can read this book. It would be a helpful resource for small groups and individuals alike. It also would be a helpful tool for Christians who desire to hone their skill in applying the gospel to their daily life.
Passion follows Jesus Christ through the last day of his life before death. He unfolds the narrative while making careful application for our lives with the gospel. Through out the book I bracketed sections with application (pp. 10, 15, 28, 45, 61, 65, 71, 72-73, 76, 85, 89, 90-91, 94, 98, 105, 117, 133, 145), narrative, and gospel (pp. 23, 38, 39, 64, 70, 77, 79, 100, 102, 108, 117, 123-24, 128, 141-42). Flipping through the book these brackets are threaded through the entire book and every chapter. Mike sums up the point of Passion, “What difference does the cross of Christ make to the way you live?” (p. 9).
Passion packs a punch. It’s straightforward, gospel-centered, and faithful to the story. Because of the ease with which the writing flows, anyone can read this book. It would be a helpful resource for small groups and individuals alike. It also would be a helpful tool for Christians who desire to hone their skill in applying the gospel to their daily life.
February 24, 2023
Very good read, I took away some good insights, and it helped me to consider how the life and death of Jesus impacts my life.
At points I saw things differently to what I thought before, which for a seasoned believer it is quite something! It's very well written, pitched more at the younger believer but I benefited from it, so good for anyone.
At points I saw things differently to what I thought before, which for a seasoned believer it is quite something! It's very well written, pitched more at the younger believer but I benefited from it, so good for anyone.
February 23, 2019
Good exposition of Luke’s account of the gospel. Fantastic for any Christian looking for a simplified but fresh reminder of the gospel. Also a great resource for anyone wanting to know more about the hinge-point of Christianity - Jesus’ death and resurrection (and how that affects our every day)
March 31, 2019
This short book is great! It recounts the Easter story in a sermonic fashion with insightful details, relevant applications to real life, and constant calls to repent and believe in Jesus Christ who suffered in our place.
May 7, 2022
Highly Recommended!
March 6, 2013
I commend “Passion” to the senior saint, the newly converted, to the lost and the looking. Mike Mckinley has done an excellent service to the Kingdom of God by penning this book. Now in honesty, is it a superb work of scholastic theology? No, nor does it aim to be. But it is a God exalting, honest treatment of the text as written in the Gospel of Luke which portrays the final days and implications of the God-man who fulfilled all of the requisite tasks and qualities to be crowned the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
I would like to comment on format first. Mckinley seems to take a queue from many evangelical works lately that include an embedded discussion guide at the ends of the chapters. Now frankly I glanced over them and to my general expectation I could have done with or without them. I have a preference for either more pointed questions of reflection and application or none at all. General open-ended questions about “how suffering of Christ makes us view our own suffering” and the like seem to me to sometimes distract from the intended meaning of the text when we attempt to personalize them. Now that is a very minor quibble and not unique to this book. Secondly, like from most evangelical publishers, he included verses or entire texts of hymnody or other various God glorifying verbiage. I love this. I think it keeps the reader emotionally invested, and furthermore it keeps the reader connected with the same Christian message and truth that has been told for centuries.
Now to the content, of which will be somewhat brief and very general. As plentiful as Advent books are that prepare the heart, mind and soul for the Advent of the Christ, I can only wish more books like “Passion” are written for Lent to prepare our hearts, minds and souls for Jesus Christ’s “Final Day”.
One of the numerous quotable quotes and dozens of heart piercing truths aptly written in this book, I recall one that I think sums up how hideous and subversive the whole Passion event truly is to the human mind. When Mckinley states Christ being judged by the rulers is like Michelangelo being judged by a group of nine-year olds for crimes against art, I was reminded how stupid, frankly, it is for mankind to think the main point of this passage in scripture is so that man can judge whether or not they believe in The Christ. Mckinley pastorally, prophetically and powerfully conveys the truth that The Christ has died, Christ has risen and truly Christ will come again. I commend this book to any audience.
This complimentary book was provided by Cross-Focused Reviews in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review.
I would like to comment on format first. Mckinley seems to take a queue from many evangelical works lately that include an embedded discussion guide at the ends of the chapters. Now frankly I glanced over them and to my general expectation I could have done with or without them. I have a preference for either more pointed questions of reflection and application or none at all. General open-ended questions about “how suffering of Christ makes us view our own suffering” and the like seem to me to sometimes distract from the intended meaning of the text when we attempt to personalize them. Now that is a very minor quibble and not unique to this book. Secondly, like from most evangelical publishers, he included verses or entire texts of hymnody or other various God glorifying verbiage. I love this. I think it keeps the reader emotionally invested, and furthermore it keeps the reader connected with the same Christian message and truth that has been told for centuries.
Now to the content, of which will be somewhat brief and very general. As plentiful as Advent books are that prepare the heart, mind and soul for the Advent of the Christ, I can only wish more books like “Passion” are written for Lent to prepare our hearts, minds and souls for Jesus Christ’s “Final Day”.
One of the numerous quotable quotes and dozens of heart piercing truths aptly written in this book, I recall one that I think sums up how hideous and subversive the whole Passion event truly is to the human mind. When Mckinley states Christ being judged by the rulers is like Michelangelo being judged by a group of nine-year olds for crimes against art, I was reminded how stupid, frankly, it is for mankind to think the main point of this passage in scripture is so that man can judge whether or not they believe in The Christ. Mckinley pastorally, prophetically and powerfully conveys the truth that The Christ has died, Christ has risen and truly Christ will come again. I commend this book to any audience.
This complimentary book was provided by Cross-Focused Reviews in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review.
March 5, 2013
The Cross is central to the Gospel. Without it, we would still be in our sins and have no hope for salvation.
McKinley's book on the Passion of Christ, not only takes us through the events leading to and culminating in the crucifixion but it also tells us what the cross accomplished.
If God is truly God, He must punish sin. If we have all sinned then God must punish everyone of us. What a dilemma we are in. Either God has to cease being just to forgive us, or He keeps His justice and sends us to Hell for eternity.
God provides the answer Himself. He will send his own Son to be born a man. He will live the sinless life we could not. Then He will take on the punishment we deserved. How wonderful is that. The Son of God who deserves all glory actually took punishment in my stead.
In this book, McKinley shows that we have much in common with the people who were around Jesus during the trial and Crucifixion. We would probably be one of those yelling, "Crucify Him". But His death and resurrection brings us forgiveness and righteousness.
I enjoyed this book. It is written in an easy to read style, but contains some great theological truths . God not only wants us to understand the truths of the Gospel, He wants us to live in the light of those truths.
The cross should melt our hearts and drive our lives. We should wake up each morning realizing that the only reason we are here is to glorify God.The cross made that possible.
I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
*I received this book free of charge from The Good Book Company and Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
McKinley's book on the Passion of Christ, not only takes us through the events leading to and culminating in the crucifixion but it also tells us what the cross accomplished.
If God is truly God, He must punish sin. If we have all sinned then God must punish everyone of us. What a dilemma we are in. Either God has to cease being just to forgive us, or He keeps His justice and sends us to Hell for eternity.
God provides the answer Himself. He will send his own Son to be born a man. He will live the sinless life we could not. Then He will take on the punishment we deserved. How wonderful is that. The Son of God who deserves all glory actually took punishment in my stead.
In this book, McKinley shows that we have much in common with the people who were around Jesus during the trial and Crucifixion. We would probably be one of those yelling, "Crucify Him". But His death and resurrection brings us forgiveness and righteousness.
I enjoyed this book. It is written in an easy to read style, but contains some great theological truths . God not only wants us to understand the truths of the Gospel, He wants us to live in the light of those truths.
The cross should melt our hearts and drive our lives. We should wake up each morning realizing that the only reason we are here is to glorify God.The cross made that possible.
I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
*I received this book free of charge from The Good Book Company and Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2014
I read and finished this during passion week but am just now able to review it.
McKinley walks the reader through the events and implications of the last day of Christ through the crucifixion to His resurrection.
There isn't much new or groundbreaking in this book, but don't let that make you think it isn't worth a read. This book helps to focus on the crux and apex of the Gospel and reflect on how when believed and properly understood, those events affect everything about my present and future reality.
A great devotional read.
"You really are just like Barabbas! You and I are sinners; we sit in a spiritual prison, bound helpless, awaiting the day where we get the just punishment that we deserve. But then Jesus goes off to the cross in our place. He gets what we deserve: we get what He deserves." - p.79
McKinley walks the reader through the events and implications of the last day of Christ through the crucifixion to His resurrection.
There isn't much new or groundbreaking in this book, but don't let that make you think it isn't worth a read. This book helps to focus on the crux and apex of the Gospel and reflect on how when believed and properly understood, those events affect everything about my present and future reality.
A great devotional read.
"You really are just like Barabbas! You and I are sinners; we sit in a spiritual prison, bound helpless, awaiting the day where we get the just punishment that we deserve. But then Jesus goes off to the cross in our place. He gets what we deserve: we get what He deserves." - p.79
July 2, 2015
The book had some really helpful, practical reminders. I found the beginning to be stronger than the ending. The author's efforts to draw comparisons between me and the characters surrounding the crucifixion is noble, but sometimes delved into eisegesis. He said a lot of true things that weren't necessarily found in the specific text he's dealing with.
Overall, a decent book and a helpful reminder. The book is written very well and was easy to read. I would caution anyone reading it to carefully observe the practical applications that he makes to see if they are found in the Biblical text.
Overall, a decent book and a helpful reminder. The book is written very well and was easy to read. I would caution anyone reading it to carefully observe the practical applications that he makes to see if they are found in the Biblical text.
March 31, 2013
It's always good to have a book recommended to you rather than just to take a chance with an unknown author. This was recommended by a friend and it proved to be a good one - this is the type of book that would be great to hand to someone asking questions about Christianity, or for me I can see it becoming one of those books that you lift down off the shelf and read again on an annual basis just to be reminded of the truths of the gospel all over again.
Take a read.
Take a read.
May 5, 2013
This book was absolutely horrendous - I got half-way and then couldn't be bothered finishing it.
It implies that we're all disgusting sinners, and that the only reason we haven't done terrible things like murder is because we just haven't had the opportunity to 'release' that side of us yet.
Homophobia and sexism really isn't enough to sway my atheism, I'm afraid.
It got 2 stars simply because I thought it was (grammatically) written quite well. That's all.
It implies that we're all disgusting sinners, and that the only reason we haven't done terrible things like murder is because we just haven't had the opportunity to 'release' that side of us yet.
Homophobia and sexism really isn't enough to sway my atheism, I'm afraid.
It got 2 stars simply because I thought it was (grammatically) written quite well. That's all.
March 30, 2013
An excellent short study of Christ's "last" days and His resurrection. Highly recommended. Chapter 5 was worth the price of admission for me as it asked me to see myself and my sin in the different actors of the story. I can be often tempted to see myself as the Jesus of the story and not Pilate, for example.
April 8, 2013
A helpful tour of the crucifixion of Jesus and the moments leading up to it. I feel like some of the applications could have been fleshed out a bit more fully, but overall it is well worth a read.
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